Rotary filtering apparatus.



A. J. ARBUGKLE.

ROTARY FILTERING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED 0OT .19,1908. 994,235, Patented June 6,1911.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

' ALEXANDER JOHN ARBUCKLE, OF JOI-IAN (I TATES T OFFICE- NESBURG, TRANSVAAL, ASSIGNOR'OF ONE- HALF' TO THE ANGLO FRENCH EXPLORATION COMPANY, LIMITED, 0] LONDON,

ENGLAND.

i To all whom it mayconcem:

Be it known that I, ALEXANDER JOHN ARBUOKLE, a subject of the King of Great Britain, and resident of Johannesburg, Transvaal, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Rotary Filtering Apparatus, of which the following is a specification.

This invention has reference to rotary filtering apparatus applicable for separating pulverized ore from liquid or the solid and liquid components of other fluid masses.

It has been more particularly designed for separating slimes (the minute particles of crushed ore products) from cyanid or other solvent solution, wash water or other liquid, although it may also be utilized for separating sands (the coarse-r particles of crushed ore products) from such liquids, or for sepa rating mixtures of sands and any of such liquids.

The invention has reference to that type of rotary filter in which the liquid is drawn by suction through the filter, and the separated solids, which are thereby caused to adhere to the surfaces ofthe filter, are detached or removed by a fluid under pressure caused to pass through the filter in the reverse direction to that of the filtering flow.

, The object oft'heinvention is to simplify and improve filters of the type referred to and to construct a machine of large capacity and one in which any necessary repairs may be effected more expeditiously than at present. v

In accordance with my invention I employ a rotatablecylindrical filter frame. This frame comprises a hollow cylindrical portion'flanged at its ends and constructed with external and. internal ribs between the flanges. Interiorly and exteriorly of the cylinder between the flanges and over the ribs secured filteringmaterial. The compartments formed exteriorly and interiorly of the cylinder communicate with chambers formed in one of the flanges of the cylinder. T his'cylindrical frame is carried at one end by means of a plurality of radial tubular members which at their outer ends are attached to the hollow flange of the frame and communicate with the chambers formed thereinand at their inner ends are secured to a hub portion and communicate with spaces Specification ofv Letters Patent.

Application filed October 19, 1908. Serial No. 458,541.

slimes from ROTARY FILTERING APPARATUS.

Patented June formed therein. In the passages in theihub between the tubular members and the aforementioned spaces are constructed valve seats. The hub is constructed to accommodate valves which are adapted to be automati cally actuated to 0 en and close thepassages as will be hereina ter more particularly de-- scribed. The spaces formed In the hub communicate with lndependent openings at one side of the hub.

The machine may be designed to workwith a primary or filtering suction, a secondary draining or drying suction (hereinafter referred to as the vacuum) and aback pressure. In this case three non-communicating spaces are provided in the hub, one communicating with that set, or those, ofrthe tubular members utilized for the primary suction' and filtering flow, one communicating with that set, or those, of the tubular members utilized for the vacuum, and, the other communicating with that set, or. those, of the tubular members utilized for the back pressure. The non-communicating spaces will then communicate through independent openings one with a suitable suction-creating apparatus, another with a suitable vacu- -um-creating apparatus, and the otherwith means for forc ng fluid under pressure through that of the filtering and draining flow.

The machine may be designed to work with suction and back pressure only. In this case the non-communicating spaceswill be formed in the hub, one communicating with those tubular members utilized for .the suction and filtering flow, and the other communicating with those serving for the back pressure. The non-communicating spaces will then be connected the one with a suitable suction-creating apparatus, and the other with means for forcingfluid under pressure through the filter in the reverse direction to that of the suction and filtering flow.

In the accompanying drawing I illustrate a practical embodiment of my invention in which the machlne is'deslgned to work with suction, vacuum and back pressure, and I the filter in the reverse direction to.

will proceed to a more detailed description of the same by aid of the drawing, in which- F igure 1 1s a longitudinal sectional elevation of the machine the plane of section he its ling indicated by the line a:;'r in Fig. 2.

Fig. 2 is a transverse sectional elevation of Fig. 1 on the line y-y. Fig. 3 is an enilarged detail of thefiltering frame. Fig. 4

.is an enlarged detail of one of the valves.

Fig..5:is a transverse section of Fig. 4 011 the line Fig. 6 is atransverse-section of Fig. 4 on the line 2-2. Fig. 7 is .an enlarged detail of the valve spindle and its connections. Fig. 8 isanend elevation of :Fig. 7, and Fig. 9is an enlarged detail of a portion-of one of the stationary cam plates an'd'one of the valve spindle connections.

In Figs. 1,2 and 3, 1 designates the hollowcy'lindrical portion of the rotary filtering frame. It is constructed at theone-end with an external and internal flange 2 and at the other endwith a hollow flange 3 and between the flanges with transverse ribs or webs .4 whichdivide the annular spaces be- ..tween the flanges 2, 3, into a plurality ofv circumferential non-communicating com-' partments. The hollow flange "3 His also divided into a corresponding "number of compartments by means of partitions 5 in line with' the ribsor webs 4. The flanges 2,

3, are recessed on the inside asindicated-at -6 to form ledges for securing the filtering; material around the inner and outer circumferences of the frame. The filtering mediummay as shown in Fig. 3, consist of wire screening or perforated suitably curved metal plates 7 fitting withinthe recesses --6 --an.d'filter-cloth, canvas or other suitabletextile'm-aterial 8. of a suitable texture, secured in position by means of a preferably seg- 11118111331 ring 9 fixed in thegrecesses ,6 by.-means of set-screws or their equivalent .10. The filtering material will preferably: be em ployed'in sections and be secured in a similarymanner alon the outer edges of the ribs or-webs 4. The interior of the hollow flange 3 :is placed in communication with the circumferential compartments, interiorly and exteriorly of the cylinder by apertures 13.

The filtering frame is carried and rotated by means of the hub portion 14. The frame is. connected to the hub portion 14by three througlrthe interior of the hollow flange 3 as will be readily understood on reference to .Figs. 1 and 3 and for each pipe twoofthe apertures 13 are formed on the inside of the hollow flange.

.Inthe hub 14 are formed three non-coml .umunicating spaces 18, 19, 20, the one 18 for or shaft 32.

the suction, another 19 for the vacuum, and

the third 20' for the back pressure. From each ofthese spaces radiate passages 21, 22, .23 corresponding to the number and position of the suction, vacuum, and :back pressure .pipes 15, 16,-17 sothatall the suction pipes 15 communicate through their passages .21 with the suction space 18 all thevacuum' pipes 16 through their passages 22 with the vacuum space 15), and all theback pressurepipes .17 through their passages 23 with the back pressure space 20. In each ofthe passages 21, 22,23, isconstructed a valve seat 24and the passage is enlarged to accommodate a valve 25 which is adapted to close the passage, see Fig. 1. Each valve spindle 26 is constructed with a grooved piston or head .27 whichis adapted'to work in a'cylindrical recess .28 communicating with the valve chamber. In therecess28 at thebackofthe piston 27 is arranged ,a spiral spring 29 whichservesfor keeping the valve 25 on its seat to .close the passage. This spring :29 is retained in position by means of a plate 30 fixed to the outside of the hub .14. A portion ofthe valve spindle 26 on the opposite side of the valve '25 isgrooved or fluted-see Figs. 4 and 5--so as not-to unduly impede the flow through the passage when the valve.

is open. .An extension of this portion'of the valve spindle 26 works througha gland '31 fitted in the other side of the hub 14.

On that side of the hub 14 remote from the filter frame,-is formed a hollow trunnion This shaft 32 'is ,formed with an annular projection 33-andzwith a shoulder 3:4, and that part of the shaftbetween-said projection and shoulder runsina bearing 35 supported on asuitable-foundation 36. The bearing'3'5 on the side next the .hub '14 is constructed with a flange 37. To this flange 37 are bolted, riveted orotherwise suitably fixed three curved cam plates 38, .39, 40.

Arranged as shown more particularly in Fig.

2 they actuate thethree sets of valves. The outer cam 40, as shown, serves for operating the back pressure valves, the intermediate cam 39 the vacuum valves, andthe :inner cam 38-the suction valves. Totheouterqend of each valve spindle .26 .is fixed--'see more particularly Figs. 7 and 8,by means of a set-screw 41 a socket member 421formed on the one side to receive the end of-the spindle 26 and bifurcated at the outer end. In the bifurcation 43 is rotatably carried a roller 44 which is adapted, as the filter frameis rotated, to contact with its cam. To insure proper operation of the valves the cam plates are preferably curved outwardly at their extremities as "showni-n Fig. 9. 'With the cams arranged as shown, the suction valves are opened duringthatportion of the revolution of the frame indicated by the :curved dotted line (za in Fig. 2, the vacuum valves during that portion of the revolution inpavessei45 Wlilichisvpreferablycurved at the bottonr as indicated by the: dotted: line 46,; and i the mixture of solids and liquid to be separated is-m:ail-1tained 'ator about the- 1'0 amass of the: 'frameindi-cated by" thecurved dotted line li -Brand the back;pressurevalv'es during: that portion of? the: revolutitm of' theframe' indicated: by; the dottedline G-6;-

' .and' some with. the back pressure, as pre The filter frame its-lower 'portiorr rotates levei ofthe: dotted line tild in Fig 2;

The here: 04% the trunnion 3-2; at itswinner" end 1 comn-i-iniicates with" the suction space 181 and at its outerendlwithzja chamber 47 v viousl I ducte =i 'into:-th e vesse'l45 and maintained at or about the level of the dotted lined-d in Fig-2. The filteris rotated at a suitablev rate-10f speed and the suction, vacuum, and

formed 1 a casting'orr'picce: 48. The: "cast-- ing iis: on: the one side'provided with ai' glandi,

49 surrounding the trunnionc It is: also constructed with aflanged, branch 4:9 for connecting thereto in any convenient mannor the. suction-creating: apparatus. Goncentrical ly arranged inside the bore; of; the: hollowtrunnioli a pipe 5 0awhose' ex--- ternaldiameter isl'ess rthian the internal di-- ameter o f }the bore; Thispipe: 50x31] its:

the one side with a gland'53 surrounding the pipe 5-0.v The other casting 48 is also pro-f ie'fi'ectedi The liquid. passing through tlic' -tubular. members Iii-past the valves to the suction space 18 isawithdrawn through the vided. with a gl'a ndi54 surrounding'thepipe 50 This casting; 52; is constructed with a:

flanged branch 55= for: connecting-1' thereto the vacuum-creating: apparatus. Arranged concentrically within thepipe 5Y0. isk-another pipe56- Whose externali'ld iameterisless than: the internal diameter of the pipe 50 This:v

another casting :58 at the other end; Thiscasting 58 fitted with a gland. 59* sur rounding: the: pipe 56 and the casting 52 isalso fitted with. agland 6O surroundingjsaid pipe. The casting.58: is constructed with alfianged: branch 61; for connecting thereto I the back. pressure: creating apparatus; The

several castings- 489 52; 58 are carried atthe necessary heightby the. foundations 3'6, 62'.

Inside thefilt er frame is arranged a chute or inclined 9 plane 63 for receiving",- the:

sol-id matter' detached" from the surface of I the:filtering:material interiorly ofithe frame whenthe-back pressu-re'is applied; and 641=is another chute: or inclined plane for: receivingjthe matter detached from thersurface of the filtering materialfexteriorly of the frame; ranged? to deliver the sol-ids into: or on toany, suitable means-I for conveyance; to any desiredpoint.

In the construction ofthe modified form specified; in combination, I frame having continuous interior and exterior circumferential filtering surfaces and divided; between said surfaces-into a pluof the invention, when suction and back pres in: motion-c valve: of each tubular member 15 connected with-the suction space 18 is opened when a ing in aterial;

These chutes 63g: 64 may be an enrployed for the. vacuum; may alsobe dispense'd wi-th, or they may allsconnect' with f either the suction on back pressure spaces 18,

QO in the. hub 1 4; or' some with the suction ferred';

The-'liub 14' on-the side next thebearin-g. 35 isshown fiarmedwitli at-peripheral groove In the operation: of the machine as preexplained the fluid mass is con:-

back pressure creating apparatus are all set As the filter: frame rotates the theouter end oi said tubular member 15 is below the level (1%; being automatically closed j ust'before said tubular member rises above-said, leveli The suction pipe or. pipes 15. offone or more'of the compartments, are

always immersedso that a. continuous. withdrawal of the liquid from the. vessel 45 is boreof the trunnion 32' and chamber 47.

' The vacuum valves are in like manner automatical ly opened-which results in a partial vacuum being set up in the vacuum space 195passa-ges 22",, vacuum. pipes 16 andfiltee ing compartments:- which: draws any moisture remainingin the solids adhering to the surfaceof thefilteringamaterial through the interstices: of said material, and also any liqiuid in the. compartment, pipes 16 and passages: 22, leading to the vacuum" space. Any liquid soa extracted and. removed is withdrawn through the: pipe 50 and chamber' 51'. The back pressure valvesa-re also actuated after the'vacu'um valves arecl'osed' to apply the back pressure. to release the solids adhering to the surfaces of the filter- VVhat: I' claim as: my invention and desire to protect by Letters Patent is I; In filtering; apparatus of the nature specified,v combination, a cylindrical frame having continuous nterior and: cxte rior circumferential filterlng surfaces and divided" into a plurality of circumferentialnon'communicating compartments and inde pendent suctionand back pressure connections for each compartment as set forth.

2; In filtering apparatus of the nature a cylindrical rality of circumferential non-communicating compartments, filtering suction, independent draining suction, and back pressure connections for each compartment, as set forth. 7

3. In filtering apparatus of the nature specified, in combination, a cylindrical frame having continuous interior and exterior circumferential filtering surfaces and divided between said surfaces into a plurality of circumferential non-communicating compartments, independent suction and back pressure connections for each compartment and means for placing said connections in communication with their respective compartments during pre-determmed portions of the revolution of the frame, as set forth. I

4. In filtering apparatus of the nature specified, in combination, a cylindrical frame having continuous interior and exterlor circumferential filtering surfaces and. divided.

between said surfaces into a plurality of circumferential non-communicating compartments, filtering suction, independent draining suction, and back pressure connections for each compartment and means for placing said connections in communication with their respective compartments during predetermined portions of the revolution of the frame, as set forth.

5. In filtering apparatus of the nature specified, in combination, a filter frame comprising a cylindrical'member flanged exteriorly and interiorly at the one end and having a hollow exterior and interior flange at the other end, said hollow flange being divided into a plurality of non-communicating circumferential compartments, the cylindrical member having interior and exterior ribs or webs between the flanges forming said member interiorly and exteriorly into a plurality of non-communicating circumferential compartments corresponding to the compartments ofithe hollow flange, the hollow flange on the inside having passages placing the compartments in the hollow flange in communication with, the corresponding compartments interiorly and exteriorly of the cylindrical member and filtering material secured between the flanges interiorly and exteriorly of the cylinder as set forth. 7

(3. In filtering apparatus of the nature specified, in con'ibination, a filter frame comprising a cylindrical member flanged externall and internally at one end andhaving a hollow external and internal flange at the other end, said flange being divided into a plurality of non-communicating compartments the cylinder having exterior and interior ribs between the flanges, the interior and exterior flanges at both ends being recessed to receive the filtering material, filtering material secured between the flanges interiorly and exteriorly of the cylinder and rings for securing said filtering material in said recesses.

7. In filtering apparatus of the nature specified, in combination, a filter frame comprising a cylinder flanged externally and internally at the one end and having a hollow external and itnernal flange at the other end, i

placing the compartments in the hollow flange in communication with the external and internal compartments of the cylinder, filtering material secured exteriorly and interiorly of the cylinder between the flanges, filtering suction, independent draining suction, and .back pressure pipes for each compartment in the hollow flange as set forth.

8. In filtering apparatus of the nature specified, in combination, a cylindrical frame having continuous interior and exterior circumferential filtering surfaces and divided into a plurality of non-communicating circumferential compartments, independent suction and back pressure pipes for each compartment, a hub portion having separate non-communicating Spaces for the suction and back pressure connections and a passage from the suctionspace for each suction pipe and independent passages from the back pressure space to the back pressure pipes as set forth. Y

9. In filtering apparatus of the nature specified, in combination, a cylindrical frame having continuous interior and exterior circumferential filtering surfaces and divided into a plurality of non-communicating circumferential compartments, independent suction and back pressure pipes for each compartment, a hub portion having separate non-communicating spaces for the suction and back pressure connections and a passage from the suction space for each suction pipe and independent'passages from thebaek pressure space to the back pressure pipes, a. valve in each suction and back pressure passage and means for actuating said valves to open them during pre-determined portions of the revolution of the frame as set forth.

10. In filtering apparatus of the nature specified, in combination, a cylindrical frame having continuous interior and exterior circumferential filtering surfaces and divided into a plurality of non-communicating compartments, filtering suction, independent draining suction, and back pressure pipes for eachcompartment, a hub portion having separate non-communicating spaces for the filtering suction, independent draining suetion, and the back pressure connections, and

the back from the draining suction space for each draining suction pipe, and a passage from pressure space for each back pres 7 sure pipe as set forth.

11. In filtering apparatus of the nature specified, in combination, a cylindrical frame having continuous interior and exterior cir cumferential filtering surfaces and divided into a plurality of non-communicating compartments, filtering suction, independent draining suction, and back pressure pipes for each compartment, a hub portion having separate non communicating spaces for the filtering suction, independent draining suction, and the back pressure connections, and

a passage from the filtering suction space for each filtering suction pipe, and a passage from the draining suction space for each draining suction pipe, and a passage from the back ressure space for each back pressure plpe', a valve in each filtering suction, independent draining suction, and back pressure passage and means for :a'ctuating said valvesto open them during predetermined portions of the revolution of the frame as set forth. v v

12. In filtering apparatus of the'nature specified, in combinatlon, a cylindricalframe having continuous interior and exterior circumferential filtering surfaces and divided into a pluralit of non-communicating compa-rtments, in ependent suction and back pressure pipes for each compartment,a hub portion having separate non-communicating spaces for the suction and back pressure connections, said spaces opening to one and the same side of the hub portion, said hub ,portion also having a passage from the suction space for each suction pipe, and a passage, from the back pressure space for each back pressure pipe, the hub portion having aliollow trunnion communicating with one space and a pipe concentrically arranged inside the hollow trunnion and communicating with the other space, separate suction, and

back pressure chambers, said hollow tr'unnion and concentric pipe communicatingithe one with the suction chamber and the other with the back pressure chamber as set forth.

13.. In filtering apparatus of the nature specified, in combination, a cylindrical frame having continuous interior and exterior cir-' cumferential filtering surfaces and divided into a plurality of non-communicating com partments, filtering suction, independent draining suction, and back pressure pipes for each compartment and a hub portion having separate non-communicating spaces for the filtering suction, independent draining suction, and the back pressure connections, said spaces opening to one and the same side of the hub portion, said hub portion also having a passage from the filtering suction space for each filtering suction pipe, a passage from the draining suction space for each draining'suction pipe, and a passage from the back pressure space for each back pressure pipe, separate filtering suction, draining suction, and back pressure chainbers, the hub portion having a hollow trunnion communicating with one space and two pipes concentrically arranged inside the hollow trunnion and communicating independently with the two other spaces, the hollow trunnion and the two concentric pipes communicating with the separate filtering suction, draining suction, and back pressure chambers as set forth.

14. In filtering apparatus of the nature specified, in combination, acylindrical frame having continuous internal and external circumferential filtering surfaces and divided between said surfaces into a plurality of non-communicating compartments,- separate suction and, back pressure pipes for each compartment, a hub portion having separate non-communicating spaces for the suction and back pressure connections, a passage from the s'uctionspace for each suction pipe and a passage from the back pressure space for each back pressure pipe, a valve in each suction and back pressure passage, means for actuating each of said valves during predetermined portions of the revolution of the filter frame,the hub portion having a hollow trunnion in communication with one space and a pipe concentrically arranged inside the hollow trunnion communicating with the other space, separatesuction and back pressurechambers, said hollow trunnion and concentric pipe communicating the one with the suction chamber and the other with the back pressure chamber, as set forth.

15. In filtering apparatus'of the nature specified, in combination, a cylindrical frame having continuous internal and external circumferential. filtering surfaces and divided between said surfaces into a plurality of non-communicating compartments, filteringsuction, independent draining suction, and back pressure pipes for each comp-artment, a hub portion having separate non-communicating spaces for the filtering suction, independent draining suction, and the back pressure connections, a passage from the filtering tsuction space for each filtering suction pipe, a passage from the draining suction space for each draining suction pipe, and a passage from the back pressure space for each back pressure pipe, a valve in each filtering suction, independent draining suction, and back pressure passage, means for actuating each of said valves during pro-determined portions of the revolution of the filter frame, the hub portion having a hollow trunnion communicating with one space and two pipes concentrically arranged inside the hollow trunnion and communicating independently with the other two spaces, filtering suction, independent draining suction, and back pressure chambers, the hollow trunnion and thetwo concentric pipes communicating independently with the filtering suction, independent draining suction, and back pressure chambers as set forth.

16. In filtering apparatus of the nature specified, in combination, a cylindrical frame having continuous interior and ex terior circumferential filtering surfaces and divided between said surfaces into a plurality of non-communicating compartments, .filtering suction, independent draining suction, and back pressure pipes for each compartment, a hub portion having separate non-communicating spaces for the filtering suction, draining suction, and back pressure connections, a passage from the filtering suction space for each filtering suction pipe, a passage from the draining suction space for each draining suction pipe, and a pas sage from the back pressure space for each back pressure pipe, a valve in each filtering suction, draining suction, and back pressure passage, means for actuating each of said valves during pre-determined portions of the revolution of the filter frame, said means comprising curved stationary cam plates, rollers revolubly attached to the outer ends of the valve spindles and springs which are placed in compression when the valves are opened and serve for closing the valves when the rollers disengage the cam plates, as set forth.

17. In filtering apparatus of the nature specified, in comblnation, a cylindrical.

frame having continuous interior and eX- terior circumferential filtering surfaces and divided between said surfaces into a plurality of non-communicating compartments, filtering suction, independent draining suc' tion, and back pressure pipes for each compartment, a hub portion having separate non-communicating spaces for the filtering suction, independent draining suction, and the back pressure connections, a passage from the filtering suction space for each filtering suction pipe, a passage from the draining suction space for each draining suction pipe, and a passage from the back pressure space for each back pressure pipe, a valve in each filtering suction, draining suction, and back pressure passage, means for actuating each of said valves during predetermined portions of the revolution of the filter frame, said means comprising curved stationary cam plates, rollers revolubly attached to the outer ends of the valve spindles and springs which are placed in compression when the valves are opened and serve for closing the valves when the rollers disengage the cam plates, the hub portion having a hollow trunnion communicating with one space and two pipes concentrically arranged inside the hollow trunnion and communicating independently with the other two spaces, separate filtering suction, draining suction, and back pressure chambers, the hollow trunnion and the two concentric pipes communicating independently with the separate filtering suction, draining suction, and back pressure chambers, chutes for receiving the separated solids detached from the interior and exterior filtering surfaces, driving means for the filter frame and a vesselfor holding the mixture to be separated and arranged so that a portion of the filter frame runs therein as it is rotated, as set forth.

18. In filtering apparatus of the nature specified, in combination, a cylindrical frame having continuous interior and exterior circumferential filtering surfaces and divided between said surfaces into a plurality of non-communicating compartments, filtering suction, independent draining suction, and back pressure pipes for each compartment, a hub portion having separate non-communicating spaces for the filtering suction, independent draining suction and back pressure connections, a passage from the filtering suction space for each filtering suction pipe, a passage from the draining suction space for each draining suction pipe, and a passage from the back pressure space for each back pressure pipe, a valve in each filtering suction, independent draining suction, and back pressure passage, means for.

actuating all the valves from one side of the hub, said means comprising stationary cam plates adapted to open their respective sets of valves during predetermined portions of the revolution of the filter frame and rollers revolubly attached to the outer ends of the valve spindles and springs located in holes in. the hub and engaging the inner ends of the valve spindles, as set forth. In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

ALEXANDER JOHN ARBUCKLE. \Vitnesses CHAS. OVENDALE, F. A. OVENDALE. 

